VSS suggests that by 2014, consumers will spend more on digital media than on print for the first time. USA Today reports, according to the forecast, “the average person will spend a little more than $1,080 in 2014 to be connected, informed and amused, up 27.6% from last year.”

Broadcasters will increase their efforts on the digital front, VSS predicts, on platforms including HD Radio, Internet radio and wireless mobile. But the introduction of Internet radio into automobiles (and competition from pureplay webcasters) will make “improved sound quality, one of HD Radio’s biggest marketing points… a nonissue,” writes VSS.

The press release announcing the VSS Communications Industry Forecast 2004-2014 is here. Read more on it from RadioWorld here and here, and USA Today’s coverage here.

ROUNDING UP YOURRADIOOPTIONS IN THE UK

We’re a U.S.-based publication, but we try to keep an eye on new media and radio trends in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom (e.g. we report RAJAR studies on digital and mobile radio use).

So, we found thisMediaUK article interesting. It’s a run-down of the growing array of options a radio listener in the UK has to find audio content, including digital satellite, digital terrestrial television, cable, Internet radio, DAB Digital Radio, and (of course) AM/FM broadcasting. For each platform, MediaUK explains the pros/cons, listenership, sound quality, costs, ancillary features, and for what type of listener each platform is most beneficial.

After reading the piece, we’d recommend this entry in Jennifer Lane’s Audio4Cast, in which Bridge Ratings President and CEODavid Van Dyke explains his views on the differences in Internet radio listening patterns in the UK and U.S.